CHEERS

A delicious selection of drinks is an essential ingredient of a palatepleasing wedding. wed serves up a little liquid inspiration for each stage of the celebrations

words Hannah May

Aperol Spritz

The Buffalo/Drinks by Post

Cornish Spritz

The Buffalo/Drinks by Post

Eat, drink and be merry. Sounds simple enough. And while most couples design their menu and entertainment for crowd-pleasing effect, the wedding drinks don’t always receive the same amount of consideration.

A welcome drink, something to toast and a few evening tipples must be all it takes, I hear you cry? But to get the best out of your day – and your guests – give them something to drink that’s as unique, flavoursome and stylish as the rest of your celebrations.

Who wants a lukewarm Pimm’s when a cool signature cocktail made to order from a wow-worthy mobile bar is an option? We look at how to spruce up your drinks menu and its delivery to guarantee the most unforgettable of parties...

You’re barred

Firstly, what type of bar do you want? If your venue already has one, then stock it up and style it out to individually suit. Ask if they can provide a mixologist (or hire your own, with permission) or create a bespoke drinks menu for you. Find out what the options are in order to be as creative and personalised as possible.

If you’re hiring a mobile bar service, there are three main options: a cash/card bar (guests will need to be notified in advance), a half and half bar, where couples put a pre-selected amount behind the bar to essentially buy their guests’ first few drinks, or a free bar (for which you’ll be invoiced after the event).

Your budget will likely determine what kind of bar you choose, along with the types of drinks you offer. Discuss monetary matters with your venue and suppliers in order to achieve the best balance between quality and quantity without obliterating your bank balance.

’Tis the season

The time of year will have a bearing on your choice of drinks. Nothing beats a bit of mulled wine or a well-aged whisky in winter, while summer is the perfect time to proffer an exotic cocktail or spritz to your guests.

“The autumn and winter months have the biggest change in flavours and types of drink,” says Jo Fitch from The Buffalo (thebuffalo.co.uk), whose statement Airstream bars present customised liquid catering of the most lust-worthy kind. “The shorter, stronger drinks as well as warm ones come into play at this time of year and then the lighter, longer, fruitier ones during the sunshine months. With the hotter days, we like to steer towards the lower ABV drinks like a Cornish Spritz (Knightor vermouth and soda) or a Collins. A particular favourite is the Elderflower Collins (citron vodka, elderflower, lemon and soda), keeping guests refreshed rather than weak at the knees! On the cooler autumnal days, a Hot Gin Toddy or an Old-Fashioned are great for sipping and warming the cockles. However, bubbles never go out of fashion!”

Grand reception

Whether you want to host a mini pre-ceremony reception – an increasingly popular way to greet guests and create a celebratory atmosphere – or wait until after the vows have been uttered, the drinks reception signifies the party’s official start.

The trick is to provide both refreshment and relaxation, so shots and beer-necking aren’t advised at this stage. Focus on the presentation, flavour and experience – with a soundtrack and décor to match. Pick something that reflects you, the season, venue or your wedding theme, and whet your guests’ appetites for the wedding breakfast ahead.

“We recommend a long, light drink with some fizz so guests can take their time enjoying it and are refreshed ready for the party ahead,” suggests Jo. “Something like an Elderflower Collins is a great crowd-pleaser and allows us to prepare multiple drinks at a time and then just top up as guests arrive. It can be pretty too – we like to serve it garnished with a flower.”

Drink and dine

Whatever catering you choose – whether a buffet, barbecue, street food or sit-down 10-course taster menu – try to match your drinks to your food. For example, a barrel of local beers and ciders works brilliantly with a burger van or hog roast, while

feature | DRINKS | CHEERS! wine pairing can elevate a meal to a fine dining experience. Discuss your ideas with your caterers and drinks suppliers in order to host the most delectable of wedding feasts.

“Wine is obviously the traditional choice, but we increasingly see couples going a bit more personalised for the meal. With more drinks available and tastes changing, catering options are changing too; we’ve seen a rise in barbecue and picnic-style meals where couples want their guests to choose their own drink from the bar,” observes Jo.

“We now have couples opting for drink tokens as favours so they can bring their token to the bar and exchange them for a beer, cider, soft drink, cocktail or a glass of wine. These are favours that never get left behind on the table too! I’d suggest taking a minute to think about your meal and what you would like to drink with it, rather than thinking you have to do it the traditional way,” she advises.

Raise a glass

Though a glass of bubbly is the traditional choice, not everyone (gasp!) actually likes champagne or Prosecco. As it brings a sense of occasion, it’ll be expected to make an appearance at the bar or table by most, but why not also present guests with a more personal or surprising alternative?

A cocktail designed by the couple (a twist on your favourite, or inspired by the night you became engaged, perhaps?) or even a shot of something such as tequila, cherry vodka or limoncello works well to ramp up the party atmosphere while infusing a different taste sensation into this part of proceedings.

“Do what makes you smile!” says Jo of the endless array of toastworthy tipples.

Party starters

“Cocktails!” sings Jo of the ultimate party drink. “The most popular choice is an Espresso Martini. It gets the party rolling and perks you up ready to hit the dance floor! Also, a Hurricane, Passionfruit Martini, Margarita – the list goes on...”

There’s no rule here – it’s all about pleasing yourselves and your guests to foster a state of revelry and let-your-hair-down abandon. Why not ask guests to write down their favourite drink via their RSVP so that it can be stocked in the bar, presented as a favour or featured on the cocktail menu?

And don’t forget you can always add a hit of alcohol in other ways, such as a boozy dessert, drinks fountain or a Bailey’s coffee with petit fours, while additions like mini alcoholic jellies and cocktail ice lollies provide extra fun, flavour and colour.

Booze-free beauties

Don’t forget that you’ll need some non-alcoholic thirst-quenchers to keep guests of all ages and states of sobriety hydrated and happy. Again, this provides an opportunity to be inventive with your drinks by creating a virgin cocktail list, tropical smoothie or super juice menu – or you could book a mobile café with a selection of hot beverages and specialist coffees for caffeine perks, belly warmers, and afternoon teas.

“We always provide at least two mocktail options such as a homemade raspberry lemonade, strawberry Nojito or virgin Hurricane,” enthuses Jo of the lip-smacking list available. “All are fantastic drinks in their own right and the young ones just love to have a cocktail made just for them!”

Virgin Hurricane

The Buffalo/Drinks by Post

Old Fashioned

The Buffalo/Drinks by Post

Espresso Martini

The Buffalo/Drinks by Post The Buffalo/Drinks by Post